University signs the Race Equality Charter

Published: 8 March 2018

The University has signed the Race Equality Charter (REC) showing our commitment to addressing racial inequalities within the higher education sector.

The Race Equality Charter (REC), set up in 2016, is an initiative from the Equality Challenge Unit (ECU) which works to further support equality and diversity for staff and students in higher education. Currently 41 institutions are signed up to the Charter with 9 holding a Bronze Award.

We are committing to the REC's aims of improving the representation, progression and success of our Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) staff and students.

As part of our commitment, within the next three years, we will be applying for a Bronze Award by developing initiatives and solutions to improve race equality across the University.

We have already analysed quantitative information about our student recruitment, attainment and post-graduate prospects. We have also conducted a study with our academic staff to understand why BAME colleagues are less likely to apply for promotion, and we are working to implement the recommendations of that study now.

Dr Pathik Pathak, Chair of the Shine Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic Staff Network said: "We are delighted that the University has signed the Race Equality Charter and made concrete its commitment to race equality. The Shine BAME Staff Network looks forward to contributing to our application over the coming years."

Professor Bashir Al-Hashimi, Dean of Physical Science and Engineering and Chair of the University Race Equality Committee said: "There is no double that a diverse workforce is a more productive and successful workforce. This helps create a happier and more fulfilled working environment. Here at Southampton, we embrace diversity and we are making progress as a consequence of this clear commitment. I am confident this momentum will continue, reflecting the broader diversity agenda and all the protected characteristics."

Professor Sir Christopher Snowden, President and Vice Chancellor said: "The Race Equality Charter will assist with making our University a truly welcoming and inclusive place and a University of choice for BAME students and staff. To enable us to deliver on the Race Equality Charter, we are looking to bring together a self-assessment team to develop a comprehensive action plan to take our work in this area to the next level."

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